NYT Crossword May 20 2026 Answers (5/20/26)

Our NYT Crossword May 20, 2026 answers guide should help you finish today’s crossword if you’ve found yourself stuck on a crossword clue. The NYT Crossword is a daily puzzle that tests solvers’ knowledge and vocabulary. It’s one of the most popular crosswords in the world, known for its challenging clues and clever wordplay. The puzzle is published in the print edition of The New York Times and is also available online.

NYT Crossword May 20, 2026 Answers

If you need help solving the NYT Crossword on 5/20/26, we’ve listed all of the crossword clues below so you can find the answer(s) you need. You can search for the clue and then select the appropriate clue to get the answer. We have done it this way so that if you’re just looking for a handful of clues, you won’t spoil other ones you’re working on!

Looking for answers to another NYT Crossword puzzle? Check out our archive of NYT Crossword Answers. Our NYT Crossword Hints for May 20, 2026 are also available if you prefer not to be immediately spoiled.

« May 19 2026 Answers

#	Clue
1A	Establishment that serves zombies, perhaps
8A	Adorn with raised lettering
14A	"Drink" for vocal critics
15A	European city that "waits for you," in a Billy Joel tune
16A	Nontraditional time for voting someone into office
18A	Redding who sang "(Sittin' on) The Dock of the Bay"
19A	God played by Anthony Hopkins in Marvel movies
20A	Church cross
21A	Florence-based fashion house
24A	Takes back a public statement
26A	What a waiter might offer to start you off
29A	Make a boo-boo
30A	___ contendere (court plea)
31A	Spud
35A	Biting
37A	___ Kippur
39A	Actress Bow of the silent film era
40A	Light show tool
41A	TV personality Kotb
43A	Clan
44A	Bit of movie magic
48A	"Essential" product used as an anti-acne treatment
51A	Take ___ of faith
52A	Place for a seafood dinner
53A	Classic Pontiacs
55A	Arcing tennis shots
58A	Condescending rhetorical question … or what you might say about 16-, 26- and 44-Across?
62A	John in the sketch "The Fish-Slapping Dance"
63A	"Seems right," folksily
64A	Words a teenager might say with an eye roll
65A	Says OK
1D	Mustachioed president who succeeded another mustachioed president in 1909
2D	"Don't know why I thought any different!"
3D	Gets hyped
4D	Fury
5D	Farmyard bleat
6D	With deftness
7D	Clarinet, for one
8D	Made level
9D	Careful, this might be hot!
10D	Act of Judas
11D	Word with ring or roll
12D	Hoity-toity one
13D	Smooths, in a way
14D	"___ boy!"
17D	Old Italian money
22D	Musical notation that means "with vigor"
23D	Boardroom bigwig, in brief
25D	Spot to drink a matcha with a Manx
26D	Ocean prey for a 27-Down
27D	Ocean predator of a 26-Down
28D	Big to-do
32D	Be in charge, informally
33D	Protagonist of "That ’70s Show"
34D	Speech full of invective
36D	Went back (to), as a prior state
38D	Epitome of slowness
42D	Director Guillermo ___ Toro
45D	Expressed frustration, maybe
46D	Beauty company whose Nasdaq ticker symbol is its name
47D	Atlanta athlete
48D	Risqué
49D	Walkway for newlyweds
50D	They're part of what makes you you
54D	"___ Noche en Miami" (Bad Bunny song)
56D	Low voice
57D	___-mo
59D	Org. whose staffers wear royal blue uniforms
60D	Lenovo products, informally
61D	Just get (by)

More NYT Crossword Answers

If you’re looking for solutions from other puzzles, check out:

You can also browse our full NYT Crossword Answers archive for even more puzzles!

We also recommend trying your hand at the NYT Mini Crossword, which is definitely easier (on all days!) as it is 5×5, compared to the full‑sized New York Times Crossword (which is 15×15, and the Sunday edition is 21×21!). If you want something in between, the NYT Midi Crossword offers between a 9×9 and 11×11 grid with a medium‑level challenge that bridges the gap between the Mini and the full puzzle—making it a great option for players looking to level up. New crosswords are released at 10PM ET on weekdays and 6PM ET on weekends.

The New York Times crossword was first published in The New York Times in 1942 and has been a daily feature ever since. It is known for its high level of difficulty and for its clever, often playful, clues and themes. The puzzles range in size from 15x15 grids on weekdays to larger 21x21 grids on Sundays, with varying levels of difficulty.

The New York Times crossword is created by a team of skilled puzzle constructors and editors, who work to ensure that each puzzle is both entertaining and challenging for solvers. The puzzles are often themed, with clues and answers related to a particular subject or concept, and they frequently feature wordplay and puns.

NYT Crossword (Main Grid) — Image via NYT Crossword

Solving the New York Times crossword has become a beloved pastime for many, and there are even competitions and clubs devoted to crossword puzzle solving. The New York Times crossword is available in print in the newspaper and online, and it has a dedicated following of loyal solvers who eagerly await each day's puzzle.

If you’re still struggling to solve your NYT crosswords, consider practicing with the Eugene Sheffer and Thomas Joseph dailies first. If you’re looking for similarly challenging crosswords, we recommend the WSJ Crossword and LA Times Crossword.